A BBQ island is an excellent addition to any outdoor cooking area. It provides extra prep space, storage, and style to your backyard. Building your own BBQ island is also a fun DIY woodworking project. Follow these steps to learn how to build your own top-notch BBQ island.
Planning Your BBQ Island
Before starting construction, take time to plan your BBQ island design. Consider the following:
Size and Layout
- How much space do you have available in your backyard for the island? Be sure to leave enough room for traffic flow around it.
- What shape will it be – rectangular, L-shaped, square, etc? Choose a shape that fits your space.
- What will the rough dimensions be? Standard BBQ island sizes range from 4 to 8 feet long and 2 to 4 feet deep.Scale it to your needs and backyard.
- Will it have any built-in seating? This takes up more space but adds functionality.
- Where will the BBQ grill sit? Center, side, or end? Ensure proper ventilation.
Features and Add-Ons
- Storage – Drawers, cabinets, shelves? Closed or open storage?
- Side tables or prep surfaces – How many? What size?
- Sink – Run plumbing for a sink with hot and cold water.
- Accessories – Paper towel holders, hooks, spice racks, etc.
- Lighting – For grilling at night.
- Power supply – Outlets for appliances and lights.
- Trash receptacle holder.
- Décor – Tiles, stone, or trim as desired.
Materials
- What primary material will you build it from? Pressure-treated lumber is common. Concrete, stone, or brick are other options.
- What finish? Stain, paint, stone/brick veneer? Match your aesthetic.
- Countertop material – Tile, stone, concrete, stainless steel? Durable and heat-resistant.
Once you’ve decided on the design and materials, sketch it out and make a list of everything you’ll need to construct your BBQ island. This will serve as your guide during the building process.
Constructing the Base
The base of your BBQ island provides the foundation to support the weight of the grill and countertops above. Here’s how to build it:
Frame
Construct a rectangle or square frame using 4×4 pressure-treated lumber. Cut the posts to length with a power miter saw. Fasten together at the corners using exterior wood screws or galvanized hardware.
Make sure the frame is square by measuring the diagonals – they should be equal. The frame size should match your planned island dimensions.
You can also use concrete, brick, or stone as a base if you want something more permanent. Just build the frame out of that material instead of wood.
Decking
Add deck boards across the top of the frame if using a wood base. Use 2×6 or 5/4×6 cedar or pressure-treated boards. Space the joists 16″ on center and attach to the frame using galvanized screws or decking nails.
For a concrete base, simply pour the concrete slab to size without the need for decking.
Legs
Elevate the base at least 18″ above ground. You have a few options for legs:
- 4×4 pressure-treated posts at the corners
- Stacked concrete blocks
- Built-up base of brick or stone
Cut 4×4 posts to length and attach to the inside of the frame using hurricane ties.
Support Beams
Add support beams between the legs along the long side of the island. Use 2×6 or 2×8 beams, spaced 16-24″ apart. Attach to the legs with galvanized hardware.
The beams help provide stability and prevent sagging over time, especially if building a large BBQ island.
Adding the Grill Center
Now you can position your grill in the center of the BBQ island frame:
- For a built-in look, choose a drop-in grill that sits flush with the countertop.
- For a free-standing grill, place a grill mat or pavers under the grill to protect the decking.
- Ensure proper ventilation – do not enclose completely.
- Allow at least 12″ clearance on all sides of the grill.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing the grill. Often built-in tabs or brackets are used.
If adding a side burner, follow the same placement guidelines and clearances.
Construct the Cabinetry and Storage
One advantage of a BBQ island is having ample storage space right where you need it. Here are some tips for adding cabinets and storage:
Base Cabinet Carcass
Build a base cabinet out of 3/4″ plywood that fits inside the frame underneath the grill decking. This adds closed storage space. Attach with screws through the bottom of the frame.
Include dividing panels to create multiple storage compartments as desired.
Doors
Attach doors to the front side of the base cabinet using exterior-rated hinges. Use weather-resistant materials such as marine plywood or cedar.
Include handles or pulls for easy access.
Drawers
For additional storage, consider adding drawers to the side or back of the island. Build drawers out of 3/4″ plywood with weatherproof bottoms. Install them using heavy-duty drawer slides.
Use exterior pulls and ensure proper alignment and smooth operation.
Open Shelving
Open shelving on the ends or backside of the island provides a spot for seasoning containers, utensils, or other grilling accessories. Build shelves from cedar boards and attach using brackets.
Space shelves at convenient heights for access while grilling.
Add Countertops
The BBQ island countertop ties everything together and provides a durable and easy-to-clean prep surface:
Materials
Choose a weather and heat-resistant material:
- Tile – ceramic, stone, or concrete tiles. Affordable and durable. Use a cement board substrate.
- Natural stone – granite, marble, etc. Elegant but more expensive.
- Stainless steel – Slick but easy to keep clean. Prefabricated units available.
- Concrete – For a seamless look, cast concrete in place.
Construction
Follow standard practices for your material of choice:
- Tile – Adhere tiles to cement board using outdoor thinset. Grout joints.
- Natural stone – Secure pre-cut countertop slab using adhesive and brackets.
- Stainless steel – Attach panels or customize onsite following metalworking techniques.
- Concrete – Build wood forms and pour concrete. Level and finish the surface.
Overhang
Allow the countertop to overhang the front and sides by 6-12 inches for seating space and design. Support with corbels or brackets underneath.
Apply a food-safe sealer to natural stone or concrete tops to protect and waterproof.
Adding Finishing Touches
To complete your DIY BBQ island, consider these final touches:
Lighting
Install LED puck lights or strips under the countertop for illumination while cooking at night. Hardwire or use solar-powered fixtures.
Power Supply
If you need electrical power for lights, appliances, etc. hire a licensed electrician to wire and install weatherproof outlets. Place on the backside or ends.
Sink
For a plumbed sink, install a stainless undermount or drop-in basin. Hire a professional plumber for best results. Or go with a pre-made outdoor prep sink that hooks to a garden hose.
Trash Holder
Install a holder or small pull-out drawer to stash a trash bag out of sight.
Accessories
Attach hooks, paper towel holders, and condiment racks as needed. Choose stainless steel or weatherproof materials.
Finish & Seal
Apply weatherproof paint, stain, or sealer to any exposed wood surfaces including the base, shelves, and cabinets. This protects from moisture damage over time.
Once your BBQ island is fully constructed, outfitted and finished, just add your barbecue grill and get ready for backyard entertaining! Having a designated grilling station makes cooking out much more convenient.
FAQs about Building BBQ Islands
What size should I make my BBQ island?
Standard sizes are 4×4 feet up to 8×4 feet. Make sure to leave at least 3 feet clearance around the grill and adequate space for traffic flow. Scale the size to fit your backyard.
What kind of wood should I use?
Pressure-treated pine lumber or cedar are good options for the framing and base. Use marine plywood for cabinetry. Hardwood decking is also suitable for the countertops.
What is the best material for countertops?
Tile, natural stone, stainless steel, and concrete are popular options. Choose a durable, non-flammable material that can withstand heat and the outdoor elements.
Can I build my own concrete countertop?
Yes! Building custom concrete countertops is totally achievable. Make melamine forms, add reinforcement, and pour concrete. Level, smooth, and seal the finished surface.
Should I make the island portable or permanent?
A permanent island gives you flexibility in the design – you can plumb a sink, wire electricity, etc. A portable cart-style island is movable if you need to reconfigure your space.
How difficult is it to build a BBQ island myself?
With good DIY skills and proper plans, it is very manageable. The main components involve basic carpentry. Enlist help for custom countertops or complex features.
What kind of ventilation does my grill need?
Keep the grill topside open and allow for airflow. Do not completely enclose the grill on all sides. Maintain at least 12 inches clearance all around.
Can I add a side burner or prep sink?
Absolutely! Having a side burner integrated adds functionality. For a sink, you’ll need to run plumbing lines and drains or utilize a self-contained outdoor unit.
How much will my BBQ island cost to build?
Costs range from $500-$2000+ depending on size, materials, and added features like electricity, plumbing, etc. Using DIY labor saves significantly versus hiring a contractor.
Conclusion
Building your own BBQ island is a rewarding weekend project that will level up your backyard barbecue setup. With some thoughtful planning and standard construction techniques, you can create a customized grilling station tailored to your space and needs. The end result functions better than a typical standalone grill, by offering food prep space, storage, and style all in one dedicated unit. Plus, you can take pride in crafting something unique with your own hands. With the steps and tips outlined above, you have all the information needed to successfully tackle a DIY BBQ island build. So fire up those saws, gather materials, and get ready to grill in style next time you entertain outdoors!